What's a tailor made trip?
We put together a bespoke tour to fit your requirements.
Duration: 5
Capacity: 5 per person
You stay at Chalalan eco-lodge, a community tourism project designed to benefit the whole community.
The lodge has created a sustainable economic activity while preserving the resources of Madidi National park, whose varied eco-systems we explore.
Our native guide leads us on trails around lakes and to streams, and on boat trips to clay licks and wetlands where wildlife forages and congregates.
You can see caiman, monkeys, sloths and more among the canopy. Read our wildlife guide for more.
As well as wildlife, your guide will explain the the use of plants in the lives of native people for sustenance, construction, art and medicine.
Duration: 3
Mashpi Lodge is in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The Choco bioregion stretches from Panama through Ecuador to the border with Peru.
Ecuador’s section, the Andean Choco, is part of the world-famous Tumbes-Choco-Darien biodiversity hotspot. It covers 125,000 hectares with diverse microclimates across its undulating topography, offering a unique richness in flora and fauna.
About Mashpi Reserve and Lodge
Mashpi Lodge came to life in 2001 when a group of environmentalists bought 3,000 acres of land in the Choco bioregion. Once farmed and logged, the group set out to protect an area home to more than 400 species of birds, 150 butterfly species, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 100 varieties of trees.
Mashpi Lodge aims to mix the best-in-class hotel service in an artistic, natural environment. It succeeds thanks to luxurious rooms and tasteful communal spaces that blend in and play with the surroundings.
The contemporary and sustainable lodge sits at the beating heart of the Mashpi Reserve, 950m/3,100ft above sea level, among the lower montane tropical rainforest and cloud forests. Panoramic views unfold from almost all areas, fusing you with nature during your stay.
Connect with nature at Mashpi
Connect with nature on the yoga deck, unwind in the spa, or enjoy a meditation session among the cloud forest sounds. Awaken your senses in the lodge’s pristine swimming area next to a refreshing natural waterfall, one of several cascades surrounding Mashpi Lodge, where you can re-energise your spirit.
Your wellness is cared for with high-end gastronomy, exotic cocktails, and the plush Samay Centre and Spa. Learn more about the environment in the expedition room. There’s an indoor and outdoor bar lounge, coffee bar, well-stocked library, gift shop, and viewing platform. There are even some computers for those that may need access.
Mashpi Lodge is also a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World programme; no need to say more.
Birdwatching
Mashpi Lodge is a birdwatching paradise, with explosively coloured birds sighted among the lush, tropical greenery. Look for the azure blue, deep vermillion, and forest green flashes of birds among the kaleidoscope of butterflies, frogs, and insects.
Some 35 of the 400 species at Mashpi Lodge are endemic, and more than 30 species of hummingbirds have been identified in the area. A highlight for many is the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek.
Highlights at Mashpi Lodge
Mashpi’s eight-storey high observation tower (26m/85ft) gives a view over the cloud forest canopy like no other. Watch nature in all its beauty from above the jungle floor.
A life centre offers a journey of learning and discovery for children and adults alike. There, resident scientists talk you through the area’s wildlife while inviting you to witness one of nature’s most striking wonders; the metamorphosis of butterflies.
The dragonfly gondola offers an 80-minute ride through and above the cloud forest canopy along a 1.2 mile/2km route. Alternatively, take the sky bike, pedalling 200m/650ft through the cloud forest canopy, over the jungle, rivers, and wildlife.
A hummingbird garden viewpoint allows guests to observe up to 19 of the 32 species identified at Mashpi. Marvel at the magical hovering birds while keeping your eyes peeled for the toucans and squirrels that share the garden.
Expert guides to help
Local and naturalist guides help spot wildlife on the numerous trails that follow the undulating features of the Mashpi zone. They range from short, 20-minute walks to those up to and over three hours, often combined with other activities. Evocative names include the Howler Monkey, Healing Water, Capuchin Monkey, and Walking Palm trails. You can also head out on night walks and experience the jungle from an entirely new perspective.
Kids love the laboratory where the experiments are designed to make them fall in love with the natural world. Research and conservation projects—new species are often being discovered—amplify this connection.
Take it easy among the birds and breeze on the outdoor yoga deck, soft mats provided. Or try Samay, which means ‘soul’ in Kichwa, a Wellness Centre that offers inner harmony for the mind, body, and soul. Massages, beauty treatments, and a hot tub await.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in Touch
+44 (0)131 378 5593
+44 (0)131 554 6025
info@andeantrails.co.uk
Everything was wonderful. Everything was taken care of for us. As soon as we got off the plane, we didn't have to think about a thing. We could just enjoy ourselves and take it all in. The food was amazing - everything was so fresh! It is definitely difficult to pick one highlight, as the whole trip was pretty spectacular. If I had to pick one, though, it would probably be the squirrel monkeys. Our guide, Ivan, was able to call over a pack of them, and they were so playful and curious. They reminded us of cats! It was amazing. Unfortunately, we don't have any pictures that are especially great, but that's because we were too focused on watching them live! Ivan did an outstanding job. His ability to see and hear wildlife in the distance was unreal, but even more outrageous was his ability to actually call the animals to him. Absolutely amazing. And it was so great they were so accommodating to me, since I am a vegetarian. We became addicted to fish eye chilis, which we learned are only available in that very specific part of the Amazon. Our guide made sure every meal had a chili sauce, since we loved it so much, which was incredible. During the trip, we hoped that we were actually helping the local communities, and it wasn't just a facade. But we learned that it absolutely wasn't once we got into town. We met an esteemed professor, who focuses on bioethics and conservation, and talked with him for nearly an hour. He taught us a ton about the area, including the benefit of ecotourism in Peru. This is his choice lodge; he has been going there for years as a stopping point before traveling deep into the Amazon for his research. Knowing that this specific lodge was the choice lodge for someone so deeply concerned about the environment and people, definitely gave us a good feeling. I found Andean Trails through a responsible tourism website. Once connected with Andean, the team was super helpful and thorough. We wanted to see animals in the Amazon, and they certainly delivered!
Molly Fay, USA, Aug 2019 » Tambopata Amazon Rainforest Tour, Peru
Too many highlights to mention. Rafting down the Arajuno River; snorkling with giant turtles; having our cycle rides interrupted by sea lions, giant tortoises and marine iguanas, etc etc…There were no low points. Food: Extremely high standard everywhere- even in “basic” looking places and roadside cafes the quality was much higher than I would have expected Guides: First class in every respect. Especially Jorge on the mainland (fountain of knowledge), Jan/Angel at Liana (nothing too much trouble), and Tanya on Isabela (who taught the children snorkelling and helped them get over their initial trepidations) Overall organisation: cannot fault any of it. Tom at Andean was particularly helpful and user-friendly for the prep, and as above all the people on the ground were excellent once we got there. We wanted to take the children to the Galapagos (they are really into David Attenborough documentaries…). Felt we needed an agency with people “on the ground” if we were going to do something like that. Combination of recommendations and googling led us to Andean for that purpose. We then chose places based on Andean’s recommendations for what would be good to do with children. Thanks for organising a great holiday and we will definitely recommend you to others.
Paul H, UK, Aug 2019 » Galapagos Island Hopping: San Cristóbal, Isabela and Santa Cruz